Jackson running back Ledarrius Bowe escapes a tackle during last year's win over Thomasville. (Press-Register File)

The stakes have changed a bit in the Jackson-Thomasville rivalry this year.

The two schools aren’t in the same region or even same classification as they have been in previous years.

However, both still have state title dreams entering Friday’s showdown at Thomasville.

“It’s a big rivalry,” Thomasville coach Jack Hankins said. “It really heated up over the last three or four years. It always seemed like we were 1-2 in the state. We were both 8-0, we played in Week 9 and it was for the region championship. That added fuel to the fire.

“It’s still a big game, but the region championship isn’t on the line this time. That being the case, I think this game can only help us down the road. We won’t see a better team in the playoffs than Jackson. Hopefully, this will help us get ready.”

Thomasville (7-2) has had a good run as well. The Tigers are ranked No. 6 in Class 4A and have lost only to No. 3 UMS-Wright (49-42) and Class 5A Demopolis (27-26). Thomasville went 15-0 and won the state title in 2010 and followed that with a 10-2 season a year ago.

“It’s a huge rivalry game,” Powell said. “Since we moved to 5A this year, maybe it is a little less intense, but it is still a big football game. Any time you have two teams located as close as we are and that have had success, it’s a big game.”

Since losing to Demopolis, the Tigers have been on a roll. They rolled over Escambia County, Hillcrest-Evergreen, Monroe County and Clarke County by an average of 35 points.

“I feel like we’ve played pretty well the last few weeks,” Hankins said. “I think we are in a good place right now. We can still improve. I don’t think we’ve peaked yet, and that’s good at this time of the year.”

What is the first thought that comes to Hankins’ mind when he watches a Jackson game?

“Team speed,” he said. “They are the fastest team we have seen all year. Their skill people are outstanding, and it’s not just one or two guys. They’ve got a bunch. Their defense flies to the ball like no other we’ve seen. They really are excellent at all positions.”

The Aggies utilize two quarterbacks in Matthew Jordan and Caleb Anderson. Both have plenty of talent around them, including tailback Ledarrius Bowe and wide receiver Jarren Johnson.

“They have another good team, as always,” Powell said. “They have an outstanding quarterback in Watters. He has been around for a while and is a really good player. They run well on both sides of the football, as I think we do. It should be a good game."

Jackson (9-0) at Thomasville (7-2)WHERE: Anderson FieldWHEN: 7 p.m. FridayADMISSION: $6, available at the gateRADIO: WHOD FM-94.5THE SKINNY: Jackson has won 24 straight games and a state title since Danny Powell took over prior to last season. … The Aggies have won 20 straight regular-season games since their last loss – 35-7 at Thomasville on Oct. 22, 2010. … Jackson beat Thomasville 28-9 a year ago and leads the overall series 40-34-6. … Thomasville has won four straight games since a 27-26 loss to Demopolis on Sept. 28. … Jackson beat Demopolis 34-7 last week.P-R PICK: Jackson 34-21